The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1887-12-31
A NEW STATE.
coNsoLIpATIcN VS.. ANNEXATION
HOW TO OBTAIN sTATEHooD-A
STATE THAT is A STATE.

VIM. H. Clagett has an interest
ing and timely article in the holi
day number of the Butte, (Monta
nal, Inter-Mountain, and present
an argument favoring consolida
ton of all Of Idaho and part o
Montana into State that certainly
has the elements of homogemty
and practicability. While TIL
TRIBUNE has never favored annex
alton to Nevada, it has never
doubted but that statehood could
be attained other than by the
slow process of development. Fol
lowing are a few of Mr.. Clagget's
points:
."In view of all the facts bearing
upon the question of state admis-
sion, what is the best course for. the
people of idaho and Montana to
take? Is it best that they should
pursue independent. lines.of action,
each one seeking to accomplish un-
aided, in.i its own way, what both SO
ardently desire? Does not such a
course threaten indefinite delay? Is
it we'll to become so absorbed in the
single question Of admission as to
ignore the future status of the new
state among it's sisters in the union
after its admission? Conceding
that each has resources sufficient
when developed tozmake a prosper
GUS state, is it not wise to secure
all of the state power and prosperity
that is possible? Is it not doubly
wise to do so, when thereby they
can escape the uncertain hazard of
the future and bring speedy frui-
ton to their hopes7 In short can
not an issue out of their difficulties
be found in CONSOLIDATION?
"The political instincts of the
people are always and everywhere
opposed to the ACKNOWLEDGMENT Of
states. or the severance of the ties
of sentiment and interest, which |
have been the growth of habit or
the product of necessity. The bus
mess relations of communities
should never be wantonly disturbed.
Those who heve common past are
the best qualified in the natural or
der Of things to enjoy a future in
common. Long time association is
sure to breed mutual consideration,
unless the association has been ar
bitrarily compelled by force, or is
accompanied with warning interests
which cause and perpetuate con-
slant antagonisms.
at is submitted that the trud
issue out Of the ENHANCEMENT which,
envelope state admission is CONSOLE
dation and not annexation. By
this means Montana will at once
obtain the increase in population
and wealth which will enable it to
change it's attitude on this question
from petition, almost entreaty, to
demand, while Idaho win secure
freedom from intestine quarrels,
and cease to excite the lust for its
in the hearts of its neigh
bors. Both will obtain at once the
boon oflocal self-government.
The boundaries of the proposed
consolidation are as follows:
Commencing at point in the
middle channel of Snake river,
where the northern boundary line
of Oregon intersects the same;
thence down the channel of Snake
river to point opposite the mouth
of Clearwater river; thence due
north to the British Possessions;
thence east to the thirty-third de-
gree of longitude west form Wash
lngton; thence south to the south
east corner of the National Park:
thence west to the Idaho line and
follow it to the place of beginning.
'The above description of of ter
ritory embraces within it's limits all
IF the OLD and populous portion of
Montana and the whole of Idaho.
= = It's total area is only slightly
re ~ OILY in ovoaco IF fbe nracant I